For many livestock species, alfalfa is a critical component of the diet. As we look to 2018, national hay prices aren’t expected to soar, but look for regional economics to play a heavy role in the price you pay at…
This week the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced that negotiations on amendments and modifications of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) will begin Friday in Washington, D.C. The Trump Administration has long-voiced their desire to take another…
More than 70 nutritionists, purchasing managers and other decision makers attended the South Asia Trade Exchange, jointly organized by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), in Colombo, Sri Lanka, last month. The U.S. Grains…
Farmers are facing a reality that’s gripping the majority of agriculture today. “The price of corn seems to be still in that downward trend,” said Joe Shirbroun, Farmersburg, Iowa farmer. Lower prices aren’t budging to finishing out 2017. Ag economists…
In January negotiators are scheduled to restart discussions on the North American Free Trade Agreement. In late 2017 rumblings began that the U.S. may opt to withdraw from NAFTA triggering an outcry from many corners of the ag community. But,…
An excellent growing season resulted in record yields and good quality for the 2017 corn crop, according to the U.S. Grain Council's (USGC's) latest corn quality report, released recently. The 2017/2018 Corn Harvest Quality Report is the seventh in the…
Imagine slapping an organic label on anything you want - food, drink, etc. You'd do none of the extra work, but be able to charge consumers a hefty premium for the label. It's dishonest and not fair to the operations…
It’s a story of tight margins on farms in 2017, and those margins are growing tighter for some farmers. That’s forcing farmers to turn to lenders in search of additional farm loans. Three ag bankers representing various geographies say using…
Since his campaign days, President Donald Trump has voiced little support for keeping the United States involved in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Ag trade groups, companies and associations have varying perspectives and positions on the topic as…
A study released by Osborn Barr reveals many challenges and opportunities on the horizon for the agriculture industry as the next generation prepares to take over the farm. The agency sent a news release explaining the results of its study,…